BC Dock Owners Coalition

Note: Under BC law, the Coalition is required to provide the names and addresses of those who donate a total of CAD $1000 or more to the Coalition’s efforts to the B.C. Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists. This disclosure is done for reasons of lobbying transparency in British Columbia.

Upland owners in the District of Sicamous have with great effort for 21 months attempted to find a mutually beneficial solution to the impact of Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (CSRD)’s By-law 900 and the draconian “crossing agreements” proposed by CSRD which would permit the CSRD to remove semi-waterfront docks.  

As time passes, upland owners continue to be negatively impacted by CSRD’s intended actions against docks on Mara Lake and across the District. These actions have potentially devastating economic, legal, and fairness repercussions that are impacting our community, our economy, and the reputation of the Shuswap.

You and your neighbours are significant economic and social contributors to the community of Sicamous and the entire Shuswap, and as your quiet enjoyment of the full basket of rights associated with your properties continues to be degraded and disrupted, it is imperative that all levels of government, the public, and stakeholders know, understand, and work to resolve the core concerns faced by Coalition members and the community as a whole.

The impacts on the community of Sicamous alone are numerous, including an estimated decline of up to 50% in property value, business closures, and a loss of tourism and population growth. Economic impacts on the local community and individuals choosing not to invest in or relocate to Sicamous due to this decision will be felt across industries and for years to come.

The Coalition has engaged the law firm of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP to assist  our efforts. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to develop and execute targeted government and public relations strategies that will leverage existing community relationships, motivate stakeholders, and engage government partners, while also bringing a diversity of voices from the business community and concerned public into the discourse in support of docks and the outdoor lifestyle. Specifically, funds will be spent on:

·       Legal advice;

·       Government Relations representation; and

·       Public relations and advertising. 

All funds raised will be applied to the above activities and the objective of promoting good governance within CSRD jurisdiction. Funds will be disbursed from the campaign to Fasken on a monthly basis to cover professional fees and reasonable disbursements approved by the Coalition in advance. 

As a supporter of the Coalition, you will be updated on events, priorities, and initiatives undertaken to work towards our overall objectives of preserving dock access within the District and promoting good governance across the CSRD.

This campaign is locally led and informed by legal and government relations advice that will advance your objectives and interests through engaging with rail trail owners, building positive relationships with key stakeholders, including media, all of which we believe will make a significant difference in bringing into public discourse the issue of semi-waterfront dock rights and the broader objective of preserving the Shuswap as a desirable place to visit, live, work, and invest.

Visit our website: www.bcdockowners.ca